Hey everyone. Welcome to the first episode of Deprescribe.
Deprescribe is a podcast that will chronicle my journey as I attempt to answer the question: can we reverse the rising, global tides of mental health and chronic disease? Join me as I interview guests, review evidence and dive into the research in the field of deprescribing.
On this podcast, expect to hear a variety of different conversations and discussions.
Some episodes will focus on big-picture issues in healthcare like sustainability, environmental impact and economics. Other times, I’ll be speaking with guests and experts who will share insights and resources on deprescribing for specific medical conditions. Finally, you can expect some solo episodes where I discuss topics and concepts that I’m currently researching or experimenting with, as well as potential strategies and tips that may help you on your journey toward better physical and mental health.
The mission of this podcast is to create a community of listeners that champion preventive medicine, with the goal of helping as many people and communities reverse the rising tide of mental health and chronic disease.
What is Deprescribing?
I like to approach deprescribing through the lens of chronic disease prevention, longevity and early-stage intervention. I believe discussions around deprescribing should be initiated at the onset of medication therapy — right when an individual is prescribed a medicine. It represents a crucial fork in the road moment. If we can intervene early enough and help individuals implement effective and sustainable lifestyle interventions, it can put them on a path toward better health and fewer medicines.
It comes down to the fundamentals of pharmacotherapy, which every pharmacist has training and education in. When a medicine is first prescribed, it’s important for clinicians — whether a physician, pharmacist or nurse, to help the individual identify the goals of medication therapy, and outline a potential duration of therapy.
Why Deprescribe?
Having practiced as a clinical pharmacist for almost a decade now, I was growing tired of seeing the health and well-being of my community continue to negatively spiral. Factoring in the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve seen more and more individuals from all demographics and ages, being prescribed more and more medicines for reversible, treatable conditions — like hypertension, metabolic syndrome, heartburn, and mild-moderate depression and anxiety.
This inspired me to launch my first company and community initiative, Deprescribe Solutions. The goal is to help people come off medications safely and effectively for anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and other reversible conditions by designing comprehensive, custom taper plans and personalized patient clinical programs.
My aim for deprescribing is to empower the people in my community to actively participate in their health and wellness, providing the right environment, resources and tools to help people successfully reduce their medication burden.
Although it may feel like our current healthcare system is struggling to keep up with high demand and crumbling infrastructure, I truly believe the future of healthcare is bright.
A Look Ahead
On the day after Canada’s 157th birthday, I’ve been reflecting on what a privilege it’s been to have been born and raised in this great country. I grew up in the 90s, and at that time, it felt like Canadian healthcare was at its peak. Today, as our population ages and grows at a rapid rate, our healthcare system is struggling to meet the demands put on it.
However, I truly believe we have the resources, the talent and the spirit to bring Canadian healthcare back to the global forefront, and I believe deprescribing needs to be at the centre of that initiative.
To all my fellow citizens, healthcare providers and friends, I’d like to invite you to join me on this journey. Although we certainly have a lot of work ahead, if we band together, build communities, and each do our part, we can spark a movement that will benefit not just our generation, but the generations to come.
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.”
— Confucius, Confucius: The Analects
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Thanks for listening.
Peace and love.
SG
Build. Understand. Discipline. Stillness. “B.U.D.S” is written by me, Dr. Shawn Gill - I’m a pharmacist and Father of two boys. During the day, I work as a deprescribing pharmacist, helping patients get off drugs, safely and effectively. At night, I write this newsletter. B.U.D.S is a community that's focused on inspiring individuals to take account of their health and wellness, as well as reverse mental health and chronic disease. If you’d like to support this mission, please subscribe below. Much love. SG
Introducing Deprescribe with Dr. Shawn Gill. PharmD.